5 28 The nature of 9u zficatzon, ï declared lingnefr which is in the minds of men by nature to embrace it, as that which lays the axe to the root of all Spiritual Pride, elation of Mind, and Self pleafmg whatever, whence innu- merable subterfuges have been, and are fought out to avoid the efficacy of it, and to keep the Souls of men from that univerfal refignation of themfelves unto fovereign Grace in Chriff, which they have naturally fuch an averfation unto, did alto affeCt him. (q..) He had himfelf been a great sinner in the days of his ignorance by a peculiar opporition unto chrifi and the Gofpel ; This he was deeply fenfible- of; and there - withal of the excellency of -the Grace of God and the R.ígh teoufnefs of Chrift, whereby he was delivered. And men mull have fome experience of what he felt in himfelf as unto Sin and Grace,before they can well underftand his expreffions about them. g. Hence it was, that in many other places of his Writings, but in this.efpecially, he treats of thefe things with a greater earnefinefs and vehemency of Spirit than ordinary. Thus (r.) On the part ofChrifl whom he would exalt he mention - eth not only the kZnoroledg of him, but ,TÓ - ,:2aegz óv Tñs.yvwasmf9 The excellency cf the &nozvledg of Chri.ff yefus my Lord, with an Emphafis in every word; And thofe other redoubled ex- preflions, all lofr for him, that Imay win him, that I may be found in him, that Imay know him, all argue the working of his affeettons under the Condu& of Faith and Truth unto an acquiefcency in Chrifi alone, as all and in all. Somewhat of this frame of mind is neceffary unto them that would believe his Doarine. Thofe who are utter (bangers unto the one,will never receive the other. (2.) In his exprellion of all other other things that are our own, that are not Chrift, whether Prizviledges or Duties, however good, ufeful, excel- lent, they may be in themfelves, yet in Companion of Chriil and his Righteoufnefs, and with refpeCt unto the end of our ftanding before God, and acceptance with him , with the fame
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